Ram internal rotating C-axis limiting device and detection method

Abstract

This invention provides a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a ram, belonging to the technical field of ram devices. It includes: a limiting bracket, fixedly installed on the ram body, the limiting bracket having an arc frame; a limiting component, including multiple proximity switches, the proximity switches being adjustablely installed on the arc frame; and a positioning component, fixedly installed on the outside of the C-axis and rotating with the C-axis, the positioning component including a detection block. The detection block rotates with the C-axis and generates contact signals after contacting different proximity switches. Different contact signals determine the rotation direction and angle of the C-axis, thereby limiting the extreme positions of the C-axis rotation. This invention utilizes a rotating detection block to trigger fixed proximity switches. By triggering different proximity switches and their corresponding triggering sequences, the rotation position and direction of the C-axis are determined. The rotation angle and extreme positions are limited in the program logic, forming a complete, non-contact detection system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of slide device technology, and in particular to a slide internal rotation C-axis limiting device and detection method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of CNC machine tools, the C-axis (rotary axis) inside the ram (machine tool boring and milling head ram) is a key component for achieving precise indexing of workpieces and machining of complex curved surfaces. Precise limiting of its rotational angle range is crucial for preventing interference between mechanisms, ensuring machining accuracy, and ensuring equipment safety. Traditionally, the rotational limit of the C-axis is generally achieved using a hard limit method combining mechanical stops and limit switches. This method has significant drawbacks: First, the mechanical stops are bulky, while the internal space of the ram is extremely compact, making installation and adjustment very difficult; second, the hard limit generates severe rigid impact and noise when the C-axis rotates at high speed to its limit position, which not only shortens the lifespan of the switches and mechanical components but also poses safety hazards; more importantly, once the mechanical limit is installed, its limiting angle is fixed and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to different machining tasks, lacking flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block, which solves the defects of existing C-axis limiting devices for internal rotation of a slide block.

[0004] This invention provides a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block, comprising: a limiting bracket fixedly mounted on the slide block body, the limiting bracket having an arc frame; a limiting assembly including a plurality of circumferentially sequentially distributed proximity switches, the circumferential positions of the proximity switches being adjustablely mounted on the arc frame; and a positioning assembly for fixedly mounted on the outside of the C-axis and rotating with the C-axis, the positioning assembly including a detection block; wherein, the detection block generates a trigger signal after rotating with the C-axis and approaching different proximity switches, and the rotation direction and rotation angle of the C-axis are determined by different trigger signals, thereby limiting the extreme position of the C-axis rotation.

[0005] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein a waist-shaped groove is provided on the arc frame, and a plurality of proximity switches are tunably mounted on the arc frame through the waist-shaped groove.

[0006] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the proximity switch is provided with a nut, and the detection distance of the proximity switch can be adjusted by means of the nut.

[0007] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the positioning component further includes a spacer, and the detection block is fixedly installed on the spacer. The spacer is used to be installed on the large gear ring of the C-axis and rotates with the C-axis.

[0008] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the number of proximity switches is four, namely a first switch, a second switch, a third switch and a fourth switch.

[0009] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the first switch is a C-axis clockwise detection program activation proximity switch, the fourth switch is a C-axis counterclockwise detection program activation proximity switch, the second switch is a C-axis counterclockwise limit position detection proximity switch, and the third switch is a C-axis clockwise limit position detection proximity switch.

[0010] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the first switch and the fourth switch are installed outside the second switch and the third switch.

[0011] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the first switch and the third switch constitute a clockwise detection group, and the second switch and the fourth switch constitute a counterclockwise detection group.

[0012] According to the present invention, a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block is provided, wherein the limiting bracket is fixedly installed on the slide block body by a second screw.

[0013] This invention also provides a detection method for an internal rotational C-axis limiting device of a ram. The internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the ram includes the following steps: installing the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the ram to the C-axis of the ram body; the detection block rotates clockwise following the C-axis, triggering a first switch and blocking the signal of the second switch; the detection block continues to rotate until it triggers a third switch, changing the C-axis from clockwise rotation to counterclockwise rotation; the detection block rotates to trigger a fourth switch, releasing the signal blocking of the second switch and opening the signal blocking of the third switch; the detection block rotates to trigger the second switch, changing the C-axis from counterclockwise rotation to clockwise rotation.

[0014] The C-axis rotation limiting device inside the slide block provided by the present invention uses a fixed limiting bracket, an adjustable limiting component, and a rotating positioning component to trigger a fixed proximity switch by a rotating detection block. By triggering different proximity switches and the corresponding timing of the proximity switch triggering, the rotation position and direction of the C-axis are determined, thereby realizing the limiting of the rotation angle and the extreme position in the program logic, thus forming a complete non-contact detection system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide provided by the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: 10. Slide body; 20. C-axis; 100. Limiting bracket; 110. Arc frame; 120. Second screw; 200. Limiting components; 210. First switch; 220. Second switch; 230. Third switch; 240. Fourth switch; 300. Positioning components; 310, Detection block; 320, First screw; 330, Spacer. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship, which is generally based on Figure 1The orientation and position of the C-axis limiting device inside the slide block when it is normally placed are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0022] This invention provides a C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The system includes: a limiting bracket 100, which is fixedly installed on the slide body, and the limiting bracket 100 is provided with an arc frame 110; a limiting component 200, which includes a plurality of proximity switches arranged in a circumferential sequence, and the circumferential positions of the proximity switches are adjustablely installed on the arc frame 110; and a positioning component 300, which is fixedly installed on the outside of the C-axis and rotates with the C-axis, and the positioning component 300 includes a detection block 310; wherein, the detection block 310 generates a trigger signal after rotating with the C-axis and approaching different proximity switches, and determines the rotation direction and rotation angle of the C-axis through different trigger signals, thereby limiting the extreme position of the C-axis rotation.

[0023] A fixed limit bracket 100 has an arc-shaped structure; an adjustable limit component 200 consists of multiple proximity switches mounted on the arc bracket 110; and a rotating positioning component 300 includes a detection block 310 mounted on the C-axis. The rotating detection block 310 triggers the fixed proximity switches. By triggering different proximity switches and their corresponding triggering sequences, the rotational position and direction of the C-axis are determined, thereby achieving limit control of the rotation angle and extreme positions in the program logic. This constitutes a complete, non-contact detection system. It upgrades mechanical hard limiters to programmable soft limiters, solving the problems of limited internal space of the ram and the difficulty and easy damage of traditional mechanical stops. Through the combination and judgment of detection signals, a higher level of control intelligence and reliability is achieved.

[0024] In one embodiment, the limiting bracket 100 is fixedly mounted on the slide body by a second screw 120.

[0025] Threaded mounting holes are machined on the slide body, and smooth holes are machined on the limit bracket 100. Hex socket head cap screws are passed through the smooth holes and screwed into the threaded holes of the slide body to firmly fix the bracket. Screw connection is one of the most reliable and commonly used mechanical connection methods, with advantages such as high connection strength, good shock resistance, and convenient disassembly. This ensures that the limit bracket 100, which serves as the mounting base for all sensors, remains absolutely stable throughout the entire working process, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of the detection reference.

[0026] In one embodiment, the arc frame 110 has a waist-shaped groove, and multiple proximity switches are tunably mounted on the arc frame 110 through the waist-shaped groove.

[0027] A slotted hole is a long, narrow opening with semi-circular ends and two parallel straight edges in the middle. During installation, the mounting bolts of the proximity switch pass through this slotted hole, and the nut is pre-tightened on the other side. When the circumferential position of the proximity switch needs to be adjusted, simply loosen the nut to allow the proximity switch to slide along the length of the slotted hole. After adjusting to the desired angle, tighten the nut again to secure it.

[0028] The waist-shaped groove design provides a wide range of positional adjustability. This allows the same set of limit devices to adapt to the C-axis rotation angle requirements of different machine tools, or to easily redefine the program start point and limit point according to changes in the machining process, making it extremely versatile and adaptable.

[0029] In one embodiment, the proximity switch is provided with a nut, which allows the detection distance of the proximity switch to be adjusted.

[0030] The proximity switch itself has a nut for fine-tuning the distance between its head and the object being detected. Two nuts are located on the threaded part of the proximity switch. By turning the proximity switch, its probe can be extended or retracted, changing the gap between its detection surface and the rotating detection block 310. After adjusting to the optimal detection distance, the matching nuts are tightened on both sides of the bracket to prevent loosening during vibration. This ensures the stability of the proximity switch after adjustment, preventing changes in the detection distance or switch loosening due to machine tool vibration. Precise distance adjustment avoids false signals that may be generated by the shaking of the detection block 310 during high-speed rotation, greatly improving the accuracy and stability of the detection.

[0031] In one embodiment, the positioning component 300 further includes a spacer 330, on which the detection block 310 is fixedly mounted. The spacer 330 is used to be mounted on the large gear ring of the C-axis and rotate with the C-axis.

[0032] The spacer 330 is a sleeve-shaped part whose inner hole mates with the C-axis, and it is fixed circumferentially and axially by a key or set screw. The detection block 310 is a separate component with a specific sensing surface, which can be fastened to the outer surface of the spacer 330 by the first screw 320. The separate design of the spacer 330 and detection block 310 improves the machinability of both components, making machining, installation, and modification of the parts more convenient, and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. The spacer 330 can be used as a universal part, adaptable to different models of C-axis.

[0033] In one embodiment, there are four proximity switches: a first switch 210, a second switch 220, a third switch 230, and a fourth switch 240. The first switch 210 is activated for a clockwise C-axis detection program, the fourth switch 240 is activated for a counter-clockwise C-axis detection program, the second switch 220 is activated for counter-clockwise C-axis limit position detection, and the third switch 230 is activated for clockwise C-axis limit position detection. The first switch 210 and the fourth switch 240 are mounted outside the second switch 220 and the third switch 230. The first switch 210 and the third switch 230 form a clockwise detection group, and the second switch 220 and the fourth switch 240 form a counter-clockwise detection group. After the device detects the signal from the detection block 310 via the proximity switches, it can shield or unshield the limit position signal in a specific direction to achieve safe rotation of the C-axis at its limit position.

[0034] Four proximity switches are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the arc frame 110. Their installation positions are not arbitrary, but have a clear relative positional relationship based on logical functional requirements. The four switches constitute a complete functional system, realizing bidirectional detection (clockwise and counterclockwise) and dual functions (program start and limit switch). This is the hardware foundation for realizing subsequent complex signal interlocking and shielding logic. In the machine tool's PLC or CNC system, different addresses and functions are assigned to the input signals of these four switches. The signal of the first switch 210 is used to trigger the clockwise rotation detection program; the signal of the third switch indicates that the software limit position for clockwise rotation has been reached, and the system will prohibit further clockwise rotation. The clear division of functions makes the control logic clear and reliable. Separating the "start" and "limit" functions allows the system to intervene in advance before reaching the limit position (such as shielding the reverse limit signal), making it possible to achieve safe, shock-free overtravel and homing actions.

[0035] With the rotation direction as a reference, when the detection block 310 starts rotating from the "zero position," it first passes the start switch of the first switch 210 or the fourth switch 240 located on the outside, and then triggers the limit switches of the second switch 220 and the third switch 230 located on the inside. This physical positional relationship ensures the timing of signal triggering. The system must receive the "start" signal first before it has time to execute the operation of "shielding the limit signal on the other side." If the order is reversed, the shielding command will not be issued in time, which may cause the equipment to experience logical errors or alarm shutdowns at the limit positions. This design is the physical guarantee for the implementation of logical functions. In the control program, switch signals of the same group will be processed together. For example, when the first switch 210 (clockwise start) is triggered, it not only starts the clockwise rotation program, but also outputs a signal to shield the function of the second switch 220 (counter-clockwise limit), and the shielding is not released until the C-axis rotates counterclockwise and the detection block 310 triggers the fourth switch 240. The concept of functional grouping makes the complex interlocking logic clear and easy to understand, which is convenient for programmers to write and for maintenance personnel to diagnose faults. It reveals how the device achieves secure interlocking of signals through group management, which is the core embodiment of the control strategy of this invention.

[0036] Taking clockwise rotation as an example: When the detection block 310 rotates clockwise from the mechanical zero point, it triggers the first switch 210, the PLC or CNC system program starts, and simultaneously blocks the input signal of the second switch 220. Because the signal is blocked, the detection block 310 passes the second switch 220, and the system does not receive the "counter-clockwise limit" alarm from the second switch 220, allowing the C-axis to pass smoothly. When the C-axis rotates counter-clockwise, the detection block 310 triggers the fourth switch 240, and the program immediately cancels the blocking of the second switch 220, restoring its normal limit function. Through dynamic signal management, the axis is allowed to safely cross the theoretical "limit point" and automatically return, achieving true 360° full-range rotation control with no blind zone, greatly improving the processing flexibility and reliability of the equipment.

[0037] During installation, first, securely fix the limit bracket 100 to the stationary slide block using the second screw 120. Then, initially install the four proximity switches on the arc frame 110 of the limit bracket 100. Next, install and fix the spacer 330 of the positioning assembly 300 onto the large gear ring of the C-axis, ensuring it can rotate synchronously with the C-axis. Then, install the detection block 310 onto the spacer 330 using screws. Finally, manually rotate the C-axis to finely adjust the position and detection distance of each proximity switch according to the required program start point and limit point position, and then lock them.

[0038] Clockwise rotation workflow: The C-axis begins to rotate clockwise, causing the detection block 310 to rotate as well. The detection block 310 first passes and triggers the first switch 210 (clockwise start switch). Signal function: The signal from the first switch 210 is sent to the control system, marking the "formal start of the clockwise rotation program." Upon receiving the signal from the first switch 210, the control system immediately executes a logic command: disable the signal input of the second switch 220 (counter-clockwise limit switch). Purpose: To prepare for the C-axis to safely cross the "counter-clockwise limit position" and prevent false alarms from the system. The C-axis continues to rotate clockwise, and the detection block 310 triggers the third switch 230 (clockwise limit switch). Signal function: The system determines that the C-axis has reached its software limit position in the clockwise direction and immediately stops its clockwise rotation. At this point, the C-axis can only rotate counterclockwise. Since the signal of the second switch 220 has been shielded, even if the detection block 310 passes through it, the system will not receive a "reverse limit" alarm. The C-axis can safely and without impact rotate counterclockwise out of the area between the second switch 220 and the third switch 230, returning to the zero position. During the counterclockwise rotation, the detection block 310 triggers the fourth switch 240 (counterclockwise start switch) again, releasing the signal shielding of the second switch 220, restoring its normal limit function, and preparing for counterclockwise rotation.

[0039] Counter-clockwise rotation process: The C-axis begins to rotate counterclockwise, causing the detection block 310 to rotate as well. The detection block 310 first passes by and triggers the fourth switch 240 (counterclockwise start switch). Signal function: The signal from the fourth switch 240 is sent to the control system, marking the "formal start of the counterclockwise rotation program." Upon receiving the signal from the fourth switch 240, the control system immediately executes a logic command: disable the signal input of the third switch 230 (clockwise limit switch). Purpose: To prepare for the C-axis to safely cross the "clockwise limit position" and prevent false alarms. The C-axis continues to rotate counterclockwise, and the detection block 310 triggers the second switch 220 (counterclockwise limit switch). Signal function: The system determines that the C-axis has reached the software limit position in the counterclockwise direction and immediately stops the clockwise rotation of the C-axis. At this time, the C-axis can only rotate clockwise in reverse. Because the signal from the third switch 230 has been disabled, even if the detection block 310 passes by it, the system will not receive a "clockwise limit" alarm. The C-axis can safely and without impact rotate counterclockwise out of the area between the second switch 220 and the third switch 230, returning to the zero position. During the clockwise rotation process, the detection block 310 triggers the first switch 210 (clockwise start switch) again, releasing the signal shielding of the third switch 230 and restoring its normal limit function, preparing for clockwise rotation.

[0040] The present invention also provides a detection method for the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block, which uses the above-mentioned internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block and includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block to the C-axis of the slide block body; Step 2: The detection block rotates clockwise following the C-axis, triggering the first switch and blocking the second switch signal; Step 3: The detection block continues to rotate until the third switch is triggered, and the C-axis changes from clockwise rotation to counterclockwise rotation; Step 4: The rotation of the detection block triggers the fourth switch, which releases the signal shielding of the second switch and turns on the signal shielding of the third switch; Step 5: The rotation of the detection block triggers the second switch, and the C-axis changes from counterclockwise to clockwise rotation. Repeat the above steps to limit the extreme rotation position of the C-axis.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A C-axis limiting device for internal rotation of a slide block, characterized in that, include: A limiting bracket is fixedly installed on the slide block, and the limiting bracket is provided with an arc frame; The limiting assembly includes four proximity switches arranged in a circumferential sequence. The proximity switches are circumferentially position-adjustable and mounted on the arc frame. The four proximity switches are designated as a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The first switch is a proximity switch activated by a C-axis clockwise detection program, and the fourth switch is a proximity switch activated by a C-axis counterclockwise detection program. The second switch is a proximity switch activated by a C-axis counterclockwise limit position detection program, and the third switch is a proximity switch activated by a C-axis clockwise limit position detection program. The first switch and the fourth switch are mounted outside the second switch and the third switch. The first switch and the third switch form a clockwise detection group, and the second switch and the fourth switch form a counterclockwise detection group. A positioning component is used to be fixedly installed on the outside of the C-axis and rotate with the C-axis, the positioning component including a detection block; The detection block rotates with the C-axis and generates a trigger signal when it approaches different proximity switches. The rotation direction and angle of the C-axis are determined by the different trigger signals, thereby limiting the extreme position of the C-axis rotation.

2. The internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc frame has a waist-shaped groove, and multiple proximity switches are tunably mounted on the arc frame through the waist-shaped groove.

3. The internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block according to claim 2, characterized in that, The proximity switch is equipped with a nut, which allows the detection distance of the proximity switch to be adjusted.

4. The internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component also includes a spacer, and the detection block is fixedly mounted on the spacer. The spacer is used to be mounted on the large gear ring of the C-axis and rotates with the C-axis.

5. The internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting bracket is fixedly installed on the slide body by a second screw.

6. A method for detecting a C-axis limiting device inside a slide block, characterized in that, The method of using the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block as described in claim 1 includes the following steps: Install the internal rotational C-axis limiting device of the slide block to the C-axis of the slide block body; The detection block rotates clockwise following the C-axis. The detection block triggers the first switch, and the control system blocks the second switch signal. The detection block continues to rotate until the third switch is triggered, and the C-axis changes from clockwise rotation to counterclockwise rotation; The rotation of the detection block triggers the fourth switch, which releases the signal shielding of the second switch and turns on the signal shielding of the third switch. The rotation of the detection block triggers the second switch, causing the C-axis to change from counterclockwise to clockwise rotation.

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